Yoon Avoids 'Rush Hour' with 7 AM Start... Presidential Security Vehicles Given 1-Minute Signal Clearance

Alternative lanes on Dongjak Bridge and Hannam Bridge
Police: "1-minute signal opening poses no problem"
Tension over presidential commute and security measures

President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol is entering the office of the Presidential Transition Committee in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 26th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] It has been confirmed that President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol is pursuing a plan to commute around 7 a.m., avoiding rush hour. This measure comprehensively considers the president's personal security and minimizing inconvenience to citizens.

On the 27th, according to the police and the Presidential Transition Committee, the police have completed a preliminary inspection related to President-elect Yoon's commuting routes and traffic control. The main route under strong consideration involves crossing Banpo Bridge, passing by the U.S. military base, and entering the presidential office in Yongsan. However, alternative routes such as crossing Dongjak Bridge, Hannam Bridge, or passing through Itaewon are also being considered, taking into account traffic volume and unexpected variables on the day.

A police official explained, "While the shortest route causing the least inconvenience to citizens will be prioritized, sudden situations and traffic volume at the time may also affect the decision, so we have secured at least five different routes." The distance from Yoon's residence in Seocho-dong to the Yongsan office is about 7 to 8 km, approximately a 15-minute drive depending on the route. According to multiple police officials including those from Seocho Police Station, the peak traffic congestion time near Seocho for commuting is from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

The police official added, "To minimize citizens' traffic congestion inconvenience, it is expected that commuting will occur around 7 a.m. Considering the congestion times on the Han River bridges, departing from home during this time frame should avoid heavy traffic." A source from the Transition Committee also stated, "Except for cases where specific event times must be met, we plan to avoid rush hour times to prevent inconvenience to the general public."

The police plan to open traffic signals for one minute exclusively for the presidential security vehicle. This is to strengthen the president's personal security by allowing the armored vehicle to maintain speed without stopping. The police explained that since the vehicle passes intersections at high speed, opening signals for about one minute does not cause significant issues.

The police believe that even if commuting from the residence in Seocho-gu, traffic congestion will not be a major problem. This is due to the short travel distance and the brief duration of signal openings. A police official said, "We are currently conducting simulations to estimate the extent of traffic inconvenience caused by commuting," and added, "We are also reviewing guidance for detours."

There is a palpable atmosphere of tension within the police as well. Since there has been no precedent of a president commuting from home to the office since the establishment of the government, thorough preparations are necessary for security and protection.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.